B: Feast of the Santo Niño (17 Jan 2021) - PARTICIPANTS IN SALVATION (Isa 9:1-6)

“But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations” (Isa 8:23/9:1).

This verse is not visible in our first reading that starts with the phrase “The people who walked in darkness…” (Isa 9:1; cf. New American Bible, rev. ed.). The abovementioned phrase “But there will be no gloom…” is consigned to Isa 8:23 in harmony with the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. However, the Greek Septuagint complicates the numbering and placement of this statement because of conflicting corrupted manuscripts that may either agree with the Hebrew Bible or not—assigning this phrase as the beginning of 9:1 (cf. LXX-Göttingen) as reflected in the New Revised Standard Version.

In any case, I see the great value of placing the phrase “But there will be no gloom…” at the beginning of our reading today. Why? The crux of today’s reading is in the last sentence: “For a child has been born to us, a son given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (v. 5). Specifically, the names given to this child reveal his identity and mission on earth. The title Wonder Counselor speaks of his wisdom and capacity to govern (= prudent). The moniker God-Hero or Mighty God talks about his unparalleled triumphant reign (= powerful). The term Father-Forever refers to his compassionate and caring character (= paternal). The expression Prince of Peace puts him in control of all amidst the troubles that inflict us (= peaceful).

Yet, this prophecy about the child brings more joy and meaning upon realization of the concrete sufferings experienced by the tribes of Israel. In Isa 8:23/9:1, the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali—situated in between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea­—were torn between the pull of Jewish nationalistic spirit on the one hand, and the lucrative pagan influence, on the other hand. The coastline of the Mediterranean is known as the settlement of the Phoenicians and Philistines who had penetrated the land of Canaan by way of the sea. At the onset of the monarchial period, the Philistines were the Israelites’ quintessential enemies; the latter’s most celebrated victory was David’s outdueling of the Philistine champion Goliath (1 Sam 17:41-51). The epithet “Galilee of the nations,” may, hence, infer that this region was surrounded by intruders, strangers, and even enemies, from the Jewish perspective.

The natives of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali that were invaded by superior foreign armies were, indeed, in need of a savior. Thus, “they walked in darkness” (v. 1a), “lived in a land of gloom” (v. 1b), carried “the yoke that burdened them … the rod of their taskmaster” (v. 3), and “every boot that trampled in battle, every cloak rolled in blood” (v. 4). These illustrations depict a horrible picture of a bloody war. True enough, this Isaianic prophecy was uttered in the aftermath of the Syro-Ephraimite War (735-732 BCE) that pitted the Israelites against the Syrians attacking from the peripheries. Certainly, the Israelites wanted to recover from this devastation, needing a deliverer. This person whom they awaited should be wise enough to abide with the principles of ancestral domain and human rights, mighty enough to not be easily compromised in any form of confrontations, paternal enough to add a fatherly and loving touch to negotiations, and pacifying enough to settle diplomatically interethnic disputes.

As we face the war-like catastrophe brought along by the year-long pandemic, may we continue to have faith and hope in our final deliverance from our common predicament. While God remains our one true savior, we are called to participate in this work of salvation by building in each of us the characteristics of this Isaianic child-savior, viz., prudent in our decision-making, powerful in our determination, paternal in our social interactions, and peaceful in our daily disposition.

- Rex Fortes, CM